PGO makes it easier for victims of domestic violence to apply for protective orders

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has made it easier for victims of domestic violence to apply for protective orders against their abusers.

Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem wrote on his blog on Saturday that domestic violence protective orders (DVPOs) can now been applied to online, from the PGO’s website, using the eFaas login.

According to Shameem, the basic information on the applications is already filled in, and victims will just need to write about their situation. Once they select the court they want to file the application with, it will be sent to the court via email.

Shameem stressed that it ends the need for victims to physically file applications with courts.

He said that information on the applications is confidential, and that not even the PGO will have access to the information.

Victims will also be able to follow the progress of their case via the PGO’s portal.

The service was launched at the Fuvahmulah Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Shameem said that it was no coincidence that the service was launched in the Fuvahmulah Court, which he said had a record for being tech-savvy and providing fast and convenient services in cases of domestic violence.

The move comes after the Family Court, in January, dropped the MVR 25 administrative fee it takes on protective orders for victims of domestic violence.

Shameem has previously stated that enhancing efforts to provide justice to victims of domestic violence, improving their access to support, and establishing a world-class victim support system is a key objective for his office this year.